How to Become a Construction Manager in Connecticut

Construction managers oversee most aspects of building projects and may also hold titles such as project managers or general contractors.

Their role involves working with engineers, construction workers, and government officials.

If this position intrigued you, read this presentation!

Construction Manager Job Description

A construction manager is responsible for the concept, strategy, financial management, and execution of projects.

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Here’s a breakdown of your future responsibilities:

• Ensuring precise adherence to specifications onsite
• Recruiting skilled personnel for building components
• Securing timely delivery of construction materials
• Addressing delays, regardless of their source
• Generating client reports on completed tasks
• Managing project costs within budget constraints

These tasks ensure the smooth progress of construction.

To be hired, you may need an associate degree with relevant practical experience or a bachelor’s degree.

Project managers can specialize in various construction domains, including civil, industrial, commercial, and residential, among others.

Becoming a Construction Manager – Step by Step

There are several steps to follow if you want to become a CM – construction manager.

1st Step – Complete Your Education

I mentioned earlier that you can’t become a construction manager without a diploma.

The minimum requirement for most CMs is a bachelor’s degree, which first requires a high school diploma or GED.

Some project managers are hired with only an associate’s degree, but they need relevant work experience.

If you graduated from an AAS program, you can move on to a bachelor’s degree.

During the four years of this program, you’ll become more familiar with topics such as:

• Design
• Structural science
• Engineering
• Materials management
• Economics

Alternatives

If you’re not keen on pursuing a four-year degree after your associate’s, you can opt to gain sufficient relevant work experience.

Another route is available for those with only a high school diploma, and that is to become an independent contractor.

2nd Step – Become Licensed

Not everyone who earns a bachelor’s degree will seek further certifications.

However, obtaining additional credentials can demonstrate your dedication to your career.

Here are a few certifications you can earn:

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)
• LEED Green Associate
• Certified Safety Manager (CSM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

Construction Manager Programs in Connecticut

Let’s look at what programs Connecticut has to offer for future CMs.

Central Connecticut State University

This university offers 2 programs in which you can enroll, depending on your interests.

The programs are:

• BS in Construction Management
• Official Certificate Program in Construction Management

BS in Construction Management

The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) accredited this bachelor’s degree program.

Such a degree lasts for 4 years and is an undergraduate program.

Those who enroll in this degree full-time and are residents of this state will have to pay $6,525 in tuition and fees.

The program also offers a required internship and free on-campus daycare for those who need it.

Students have opportunities to develop their skills further aside from the internship.

Official Certificate Program in Construction Management

While the above bachelor’s degree is for newcomers to this industry, this certificate program is good for both experienced and inexperienced individuals.

To graduate, you’ll have to accumulate 12 credits which can be used toward the MS in Construction Management.

Here’s what you’ll study for this certificate:

• Construction Superintendency
• Fundamentals of Construction Management
• Construction Project Delivery Systems
• Construction Law
• Construction Financial Management

Three Rivers Community College

You could enroll in this college if you want to earn a Construction Management Certificate.

You also have 2 closely related programs to choose from:

• Construction Technology, A.A.S.
• Computer-Aided Drafting Certificate

The certificate program lasts for 2 semesters.

Upon graduation, you’ll get hired for entry-level positions in the field.

University of New Haven

If you want to earn a master’s degree in Construction Engineering and Management, then this is the university to enroll in.

This program has on-site learning at a construction project as an integral part of it.

Here is a list of the subjects or activities you’ll be attending:

• Construction Estimating and Scheduling
• Building Information Modeling
• Construction Equipment and Methods
• Construction Project Management

Construction Manager Salary in Connecticut

Now delving into potential earnings, as a manager, your salary exceeds your team’s but doesn’t quite reach your superior’s.

For example, in Connecticut, construction managers earn approximately $143,471 annually.

However, specific locations offer higher compensation, as depicted in the table below.

Regional Salary in Connecticut

Construction Manager Schools by State